I'll post updates as the build progresses in this thread. I should have a final plan within a couple of days.

Features for the build: I weigh 170 lbs so stiffness takes a slight priority over weight, no ISP, matching stem with integrated cable hanger, rear brake and rear derailleur cables on TT and FD cables under BB, paint job using matte black as primary color with glossy black and a bright accent color.

I don't want to seem like I am slamming the brand here but my Lightning cranks lasted 1 crash before snapping. Not really what I would look for in a cyclocross crank. Admittedly, it was a nasty crash on pavement in a crit but a few days later i was picking carbon out of my ankle and riding home one legged. I really thing the design where they take a carbon tube and bend it (which is what it looks like to me though I may be wrong) as opposed to casting a solid crank and inserting the axel into it just isn't as solid. That being said I was very happy with the lightning crank till it snapped.

I got the first draft of the geometry today. I'll post a more finalized draft in a few days.

Rob and I have not talked about how he is going to do the seat stays yet, Ted. I think we will eventually, but I have a tremendous amount of faith in him as a builder and I think he has a much better idea than me of how the tubes will react to braking (hopefully not "breaking") forces.

Cool! I'm curious to see what he comes up with. I like the svelte stays for the road but wonder about them for 'cross... mainly because the tubes are so small, I wonder if the cantilevers will cause flex under hard braking.

You're right, it is one of the best aesthetic elements of his previous builds. I sort of hope that he can do the same thing in a heavier gauge tube to avoid those problems.

Here is a rough paint design that I put together in PS. I would love any input you guys can give. The red arrow is just to show that I'm doing my name on the TT. The gray is going to be matte black where as the black is going to be shiny.

So I'm finally able to show the goods. Couldn't be more happier with how this build is progressing. I believe that one of Rob's strength's is his awesome communication, so instead of paraphrasing, I am going to paste in am excerpt his last email:

Quote:

Hi Arden,

Your frame is all tacked together; here are a couple of shots with it just pulled out the jig - I have the BB area brazed up with the rest to go... I'm really pleased with how the rear end has come together - Deda s-bend chainstays, tapered seatstays with a slight curve, topped by an oversize wishbone to give a solid mounting point for the rear brake.

More soon!

Rob.

The oversized wishbone addresses the concerns that Ted brought up beautifully, check out the wishbone detail shot!

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